Client news

Central Hall Westminster today announces its highest ever turnover for the year of £7.8 million with a promise to increase charitable funding to £1.7m per year. This will represent a 21% rise in donations to charity by 2020.

The central London venue’s 2018 Annual Review reveals that the record turnover has been boosted by a 37% increase in high-profile concerts held in its historic Great Hall. This included the Royal Armouries’ concert to mark the end of the hostilities in the First World War attended by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Other high-profile concerts included UNICEF’s Christmas Carol concert featuring Jessie Ware which raised money for children in Syria, Katie Melua’s London leg of her World Tour, 80s pop band Madness transmitted live from the venue by BBC One and the Raymond Gubbay season of Christmas concerts.The number of conferences held in 2018 also increased by 31% with clients including Deloitte, Shell, The Guardian and The Jamaican National Bank. Additionally, the flexibility of the venue allowed over six exhibitions to be held throughout the year including the 13th Annual BNC Show for the second year running.

Televised media events in 2018 included Channel Four’s Stand up to Cancer presented by Alan Carr, Maya Jama and Adam Hills, held at Central Hall for the third time in a row and which raised over £24.6m, and James Corden’s The Late Late Show for the second year running.

One of the highest profile events in 2018 was a public address by the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, which was streamed live to one billion people worldwide.

As a not-for-profit organisation, surplus revenue is used to maintain the historic Grade II* Listed building and to support charitable causes. In 2018, £450,000 was spent on improvement works including a complete refurbishment and rebranding of its public café. For 2019 and beyond, a budget of £1.1m has been set for a ten-year building maintenance programme.

As a result of the increased revenue, the venue was able to make a contribution of £1.2m to the funds of the Trustees of Central Hall which makes further contributions to the building’s upkeep and to a number of charitable causes including homeless charity, The Passage, and the onsite St. Vincent’s Family project which supports vulnerable local families. Other charitable initiatives for 2018 included raising over £28,000 through public donations to the Toilet Twinning charity which aims to provide clean water and sanitation to poverty-stricken families around the world.

Central Hall’s continued investment in green and ethical initiatives in 2018, including being the first venue to introduce a carbon calculator for events in partnership with Green Tourism, led to the award of a Responsible Business accreditation from Westminster Council. During the first six months of 2018 over 176,000kg of carbon was saved via recycling initiatives.

Having solidified its reputation as central London’s largest conferencing and events venue, it aims to grow revenues further by 2020 to £8.3 million with a projected £1.7m per year being made available for charitable purposes.​Paul Southern, Managing Director of Central Hall Westminster, comments: “For the past five years we have beat our own record for results, but in the last year it has been phenomenal with the large increase in both concert and conference business. We really took the spotlight on the world stage with the number of internationally acclaimed and high-profile events which took place here. Prime Minister Modi’s address to one billion people around the world had particular resonance with us after Mahatma Gandhi addressed an audience from the very same stage exactly 70 years earlier. This demonstrates how we and the world have progressed to reach huge audiences, while our values remain the same.”

“In addition, we have exceeded our five-year plan to increase the number of high-profile concerts which take place within the venue and are delighted that the profits from these and all our other events go to help so many worthy causes,” he added.

​-Ends-

Notes to Editors:

About Central Hall WestminsterCentral Hall Westminster (CHW) is central London’s largest purpose-built conference and events centre, combining historical elegance with cutting-edge technical capabilities. The unique Edwardian landmark building situated adjacent to Westminster Abbey is the home of a culturally diverse Methodist Church and has engaged high profile conferences, special events and local business meetings since 1912.Central Hall Westminster is a not for profit company that exists to enhance its architecturally significant building and to provide money for charitable works all over the world.With a maximum capacity of 2,400, Central Hall Westminster offers 25 event spaces, including:

•The Great Hall – Seats up to 2,000 delegates and features Europe’s largest self-supporting domed ceiling, creating a uniquely intimate atmosphere in the circular shaped, tiered balcony hall with natural daylight.•Library and Lecture Hall – The bright and spacious halls provide flexible space flooded with natural light for up to 1,100 delegates.•Six rooms up to 150 delegates - All rooms offer flexible configurations combined with natural light/ blackout facilities. By using adjacent rooms and spacious foyers, unique event spaces can be created, allowing for breakout sessions, catering and registration.•13 rooms for up to 60 delegates - With beautiful original features, Central Hall Westminster’s smaller rooms provide an elegant setting for meetings from 20 to 60 guests.

The architectural features of the building include the iconic dome, spacious entrance foyers and hallways, marble flooring and a sweeping Grand staircase, the design of which is based on the Paris Opera House.Website: www.c-h-w.comTwitter: @CentralHallFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/centralhallwestminster/

Somerset House, one of the capital’s most iconic events spaces, has won Best Christmas Venue in the London Venue Awards. Judges commented that the setting of Somerset House, with its soaring Christmas tree and ‘magical’ ice rink, was comparable to the Rockefeller Center in New York.

To celebrate their award, the Events Team are offering a festive treat of four complimentary ice-skating tickets to each event organiser who books a Christmas party at Somerset House this year. Organisers can also book a private view of the venue’s ground breaking new ‘Peanuts’ exhibition alongside their venue hire, as a welcome addition to their Christmas party. The highly anticipated Good Grief, CharlieBrown! Celebrating Snoopy and the Enduring Power of Peanuts, opened in the Embankment Galleries at Somerset House on 25th October and runs until Spring 2019.

The London Venue Awards judges also commented on the range of options and event spaces which make the venue accessible for a lot of Christmas party budgets.

The East Wing Galleries, primarily used as an exhibition space as part of Somerset House’s cultural programme, is available this year for Christmas party packages for up to 300 for a standing reception. With beautiful high ceilings, grand windows and interlinking rooms, the East Wing offers a versatile and opulent space for the festivities. Partnering with Plain Jane Events, a creative events agency with over 20 years’ experience, the East Wing Galleries will come alive during this Christmas period. Plain Jane Events has extensive experience in all elements of event management, production and styling and can guarantee delivery of amazing events from concept through to completion. Music will also be provided by accredited entertainment supplier, Eight Ray Music.

Alternatively, organisers can book a Christmas lunch package for up to 100 in the striking Portico Rooms - choosing from either a three-course seated lunch or a lavish buffet. Organisers booking this space can wow their guests with an al fresco drinks reception overlooking the renowned ice rink.

Stephanie Bevan-Moss, Deputy Head of Corporate Events at Somerset House, comments: “We are absolutely thrilled to win Best Christmas Venue in the London Venue Awards. Not only has the venue become renowned for epitomising Christmas with its stunning ice rink and unrivalled festive atmosphere, but the events team has worked incredibly hard to ensure guests enjoy a Christmas party to remember.”

One of the city’s most spectacular and well-loved spaces, Somerset House is a new kind of arts centre in the heart of London, designed for today’s audiences, artists and creatives – an inspirational community where contemporary culture is imagined, created and experienced.

From its 18th Century origins, Somerset House has played a central role in our society as a place where our culture and collective understanding of the world is shaped and defined. In 2000, it began its reinvention as a cultural powerhouse and home for arts and culture today, creating unique and stimulating experiences for the public, bringing them into direct contact with ideas from the greatest artists, makers and thinkers of our time. Our distinctive and dynamic year-round programme spans the contemporary arts in all its forms, from cutting-edge exhibitions and installations to annual festivals, seasonal events in the courtyard including Film4 Summer Screen, Summer Series and Skate, and an extensive learning and engagement programme.

As well as welcoming over 3million visitors annually, Somerset House houses the largest and most diverse creative communities in the country – from one-person start-ups to successful creative enterprises including MOBO, British Fashion Council, Dance Umbrella, Improbable Theatre, Hofesh Schecter Company, and Dartmouth Films.

In 2016 we launched Somerset House Studios – a new experimental workspace connecting artists, makers and thinkers with audiences. Currently housing over 80 artists and Makerversity (a community of over 250 emergent makers), the Studios are a platform for the development of new creative projects and collaboration, promoting work that pushes bold ideas, engages with urgent issues and pioneers new technologies. www.somersethouse.org.uk

Portico Rooms – Somerset House’s most popular private hire venue offers balcony views over both The Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court and the River Thames. With a capacity for 200 standing, 80 people for a seated lunch and dinner and 100 people for theatre-style seating, Portico Rooms provide a flexible yet grand space for all kinds of events from press days and receptions to dinners and wine tastings.

Navy Board Rooms – These four inter-connected rooms were originally home to the Navy Board, overseeing British naval affairs at the start of the Empire. The layout offers great flexibility - from one specific room to the use of all four spaces for a range of purposes with capacity for 100 standing, 50 people for seated lunch and dinner and 32 for cabaret-style seating.

West Wing ­­ – Entered via the striking grandeur of the Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court, guests experience a feeling of calm and space as they enter the West Wing Galleries. With 15 newly renovated rooms, this expansive area boasts light wooden flooring, sweeping high ceilings and plenty of natural light. The understated elegance of the West Wing Galleries has something to suit all tastes, with the blank canvas galleries providing a fantastic backdrop for showcases, press days, product launches and experiential events.

Outdoor Spaces

River Terrace – The River Terrace location offers glorious views of the South Bank across the River Thames, offering a spectacular setting for al fresco events from summer parties to outdoor receptions. The space holds a capacity of 500 standing. Included in the hire is Seamen’s Hall, a wet weather option with a capacity of up to 200.

The Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court – The Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court is situated around Somerset House’s elegant fountains and is surrounded on all sides by glorious 18th century buildings. This space is home to some of the best-loved events such as Film4 Summer Screen, Summer Series and Skate, the winter ice rink. This exclusive outdoor space with a capacity of 1500 is available for bespoke evening events on a limited number of specific dates throughout the year.

Lightwells and Deadhouse – The Lightwells and Deadhouse are a favourite for film location managers for film and television and have frequently been used as a backdrop for film and TV including Downton Abbey and Sherlock Holmes. This unique subterranean space, full of atmosphere and charm, is the ideal location for out-of-the-ordinary events. The unique space is available for receptions, press days and launches and capacity varies for each event.

Central Hall Westminster hosted a charity gala music evening to mark the centenary of the end of First World War hostilities, attended by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

The Royal Armouries’ 100 Days to Peace was a one-off gala evening of music and reflection, held in the central London venue’s Great Hall and featuring Sir Karl Jenkins and hosted by Lesley Garrett CBE.

Proceeds from the evening, attended by over 1,500, benefited three charities – Help for Heroes; Combat Stress and Heads Together - The Royal Foundation’s campaign and mental health initiative – all of whose work supports military veterans suffering from mental health conditions.

On arrival at the iconic early-20th Century venue situated opposite Westminster Abbey, The Duke and Duchess were greeted by the Royal Armouries Chair of Trustees, General The Lord Dannatt GCB CBE MC DL and the Reverend Tony Miles, Deputy Superintendent of the church, Methodist Central Hall.

The highlight of the evening saw Sir Karl Jenkins, one of the most performed living composers in the world, conduct his internationally-acclaimed The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace. Performed by the Royal Choral Society and the Philharmonia Orchestra with a solo by Kathryn Rudge, this was the only performance in England this year of one of the award-winning composer’s best loved works that was conducted by Sir Karl himself. The stirring music was performed against a backdrop of Hefin Owen’s film of The Armed Man.

Sir Karl Jenkins composed The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace in 1999 when he was commissioned by the Royal Armouries to write a piece of music that marked the start of the new millennium and reflected the renewed hope for the future.

In addition to hosting the evening, Lesley Garrett performed two songs, poignant reminders of the First World War including a poem by WB Yeats, set to music by Sir Karl Jenkins.

Samuel Bordoli’s The Great Silence, was also performed by the Royal Choral Society, whilst the 2018 Armistice installation, There But Not There, for the charity Remembered, honoured the memory of those killed in the First World War.

Lord Dannatt commented: “We were absolutely delighted to welcome The Duke and Duchess of Sussex to the Central Hall Westminster for this commemorative event. We have been overwhelmed by the support shown by our sponsors, ambassadors and all three beneficiary charities.”

“The Royal Armouries is committed to making a difference to the thousands of ex-service men and women living with anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other combat related mental health conditions.”

Paul Southern, Managing Director of Central Hall Westminster, added: “We were truly honoured to welcome the Duke and Duchess of Sussex through our doors for this superb charity event which reflects our own values. As a charity ourselves existing to help others, we felt extremely proud to provide such a fitting venue for this event.”

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors:

About The Royal ArmouriesThe Royal Armouries is committed to making a difference to the thousands of ex-service men and women living with anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other combat related mental health conditions. To achieve this, the national museum is working in partnership with Help for Heroes, Combat Stress and Heads Together - The Royal Foundation’s Campaign and Mental Health Initiative.• Royal Armouries has sites in Leeds, HM Tower of London and Fort Nelson in Hampshire.• The Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds houses a major part of the national collection of arms and armour, and displays over 8,500 objects throughout its five themed galleries.• Open all year daily, 10am-5pm. Closed 24-26 December• Website: www.royalarmouries.org

About Central Hall WestminsterCentral Hall Westminster (CHW) is central London’s largest purpose-built conference and events centre, combining historical elegance with cutting-edge technical capabilities. The unique Edwardian landmark building situated adjacent to Westminster Abbey is the home of a culturally diverse Methodist Church and has engaged high profile conferences, special events and local business meetings since 1912.Central Hall Westminster is a not for profit company that exists to enhance its architecturally significant building and to provide money for charitable works all over the world.With a maximum capacity of 2,400, Central Hall Westminster offers 25 event spaces, including:

•The Great Hall – Seats up to 2,000 delegates and features Europe’s largest self-supporting domed ceiling, creating a uniquely intimate atmosphere in the circular shaped, tiered balcony hall with natural daylight.•Library and Lecture Hall – The bright and spacious halls provide flexible space flooded with natural light for up to 1,100 delegates.•Six rooms up to 150 delegates - All rooms offer flexible configurations combined with natural light/ blackout facilities. By using adjacent rooms and spacious foyers, unique event spaces can be created, allowing for breakout sessions, catering and registration.•13 rooms for up to 60 delegates - With beautiful original features, Central Hall Westminster’s smaller rooms provide an elegant setting for meetings from 20 to 60 guests.

The architectural features of the building include the iconic dome, spacious entrance foyers and hallways, marble flooring and a sweeping Grand staircase, the design of which is based on the Paris Opera House.​Website: www.c-h-w.comTwitter: @CentralHallFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/centralhallwestminster/

A team of award-winning chefs are preparing for a unique event to be held on October 4th which will enable diners to take part in a live, interactive cooking and fine dining experience.

London Kitchen Social Live will be held at the Bella Vita Academy in East London when a seven-course tasting menu will be cooked and prepared in front of up to 50 guests by some of the capital’s top chefs.

Believed to be the first event of its kind in London, dishes will be created live by Anthony Raffo from Auberge du Lac; private Cordon Bleu chef Daniel Britten; winner of the BBC’s Big Family Cook Off, Lorna Nanda Gangotra; Baxterstorey Executive Group Hospitality Chef, Chris Terry; and Dave Pigram, Executive Chef of David Pigram Bespoke Dining.

London Kitchen Social Founder Majella O’Connor, who is also company director and lead photographer at Pavlova & Cream, came up with the idea of providing a unique cooking demonstration and fine dining experience in response to demand from food and cooking enthusiasts keen to learn from the experts whilst sampling some new, imaginative and original dishes. Her good friend and business associate, Dave Pigram, immediately offered his support for the idea and between them, the idea became a reality.

London Kitchen Social Founder Majella O’Connell comments: “After an assignment at San Sebastian Gastronomika, I was inspired by seeing queues of eager chefs waiting in line to see their favourite chefs and actually get to taste their food. I then had this ‘very bonkers idea’ to hold a similar event. Luckily for me, Dave saw something in my idea and pledged his support. We are incredibly excited about this unique and ground-breaking event”“We finally decided to put some plans into action and hope it will be popular with both chefs attracted by the techniques of those they respect and admire and food lovers and suppliers who really just want to see and taste for themselves how ingenious dishes are created,” she adds.

The array of dishes to be prepared for the event will include seasonal foraged ingredients, unusual cooking techniques and plenty of adventurous flavour combinations, combined with a pinch of ahead-of-the-curve trends.

The live cooking and dining event aims to inspire and delight, with good food that pushes the boundaries of taste being the common interest among guests attending.London Kitchen Social exists mainly to provide inspiration and support for up and coming chefs, so limited number of tickets will be offered free to colleges involved in hospitality and culinary arts in the Greater London area.

Sponsors of the event include Purple Carrot Recruitment, RAK Porcelain Europe who will provide the finishing touches with a collection of stunning bowls, Surrey Hills Butchers who will supply some of their meat and Seahawk Marine who will be providing the fish for one of the courses.

About London Kitchen Social​London Kitchen Social brings chefs and brands together through creativity and a different style of networking. It exists to provide an affordable platform for new and emerging chefs, as well as other producers and developers in the food industry, to showcase their work through top quality photography.The scheme gives chefs along with other artisans and producers, a chance to have their creations photographed by Majella in a studio kitchen setting for an allotted time. The studio hired includes full cooking facilities and access to props while Majella gives advice on presentation and how to make food photogenic. The end result is a selection of at least 20 head-turning images which can be used on any online platform from social media to websites. She then goes on to showcase the images on her own considerable digital channels to maximise exposure.By hiring a studio with full cooking facilities and near to a props store for the day and shooting each client in two-hour time slots, costs are kept to a minimum but the result is a set of at least 20 head-turning images which can be used for career development, promotion and to showcase on social media.For the first time, London Kitchen Social is running London Kitchen Social Live.T: https://twitter.com/LDNKitchenSocI: https://www.instagram.com/londonkitchensocialFB: https://www.facebook.com/LondonKitchenSocial/

About Majella O’ConnellMajella is a London-based food and lifestyle photographer who is known in the industry for creating stunning high-quality images. After travelling the world for 12 years, she developed a passion for photography and went on to take a formal Photography course at a London college, obtaining four distinctions. She has been commissioned by a wealth of high profile food and restaurant clients including Anjula Devi, Tim Allen's Flitch of Bacon and Tamarind Mayfair to name but a few. She has also worked alongside such chefs as Daniel Clifford, Daniel Britten, Connor J Lowry, Jay Marjoria and others. Majella’s other area of expertise is digital marketing which she utilises for both herself and a number of prestigious clients including a leading London caterer, restaurants and hotels. She is also a freelance photo-journalist specialising in food publications including features on Gelinaz in Austria and the San Sebastian Gastronomika.

About Dave PigramDave knew from an early age that he wanted to be a chef. After leaving school he attended the Colchester Institute to gain his level 2 & 3 in catering and hospitality, whilst at college he also worked at a restaurant called The White Hart, owned by Michel Roux.After finishing school, he moved to the USA to work in Keswick Hall in Virginia and then to Australia to work in a restaurant called Pier.Next he was off to Australia, where he worked in a restaurant called Pier, which opened his eyes to a whole new world of cooking and he fell in love with kitchen life all over again. The simple perfection of every dish still excites him. After that he moved to England and worked at Michelin starred Reads in Kent, where a lot of their own produce was grown. The shiny lights of London beckoned where Dave ran a kitchen in a hotel called Montague on the Gardens.From here he moved to the corporate world and worked for JP Morgan cooking for the directors. At One Moorgate Place he took on his first role of Executive chef.In 2014, he moved to a new role to open a brand new venue, a luxury retreat with two restaurants, eco pods and a banqueting suite. All produce was grown on site as well as housing its own pigs chickens and ducks and using superfoods to create an exciting new style.He also worked with Harbour & Jones as Executive Head Chef at the Royal Society, where he developed the food offer, changed kitchen practices and built a durable team.The role enabled him to work not only at The Royal Society but also lead events such as the launch of Wonderlab at the National Science Museum – where he engineered levitating foods, live n2 freezing stations, and reverse spherification, winning the Event Caterer of the Year. The show-stopping piece was a live edible painting relating to various work created by Ai Weiwei, this included broken vases, Lego, paints and paintbrushes.

The element keeping him in love with food and his job is the fact that every day can be different; new produce, new challenges, new techniques and trends. He always sticks to treating produce with great respect and letting flavours speak for themselves.Dave launched Dave Pigram Bespoke Dining in June 2018 to share his love of preparing innovative, great tasting food with a wider audience.Email: chefdave_82@hotmail.com>T: 07977 753059ere to edit.

Central Hall Westminster will play host this September to a spectacular charity gala concert, featuring Sir Karl Jenkins, to mark the centenary of the last 100 days of First World War hostilities.

A highlight of the 100 Days to Peace concert, to be held in the central London venue’s iconic Great Hall, will be a performance of The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace, conducted by one of the most-performed living composers in the world, Sir Karl Jenkins. His renowned composition will be performed by the Royal Choral Society and the Philharmonia Orchestra. The evening marks the only performance in England this year of one of Sir Karl’s best-loved works conducted by the composer himself, and the music will be performed against a backdrop of Hefin Owen’s moving film of The Armed Man.The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace was composed by Sir Karl Jenkins in 1999 when he was commissioned by the Royal Armouries to write a piece of music to mark the new millennium, reflecting hope for the future.

The event will also bring together Samuel Bordoli’s The Great Silence, written in memory of choristers killed in the First World War, with the charity Remembered, featuring their 2018 Armistice installation There But Not There.

All proceeds from the event will go to three charities which work to support military veterans facing challenges, including mental health. Charities to benefit from the evening include Help for Heroes, Combat Stress and Heads Together - The Royal Foundation’s Campaign and Mental Health Initiative, through a partnership formed by the Royal Armouries.

Siona Mackelworth, Interim Director: Public Engagement at the Royal Armouries said: “The style and ‘feel’ of Central Hall Westminster, its capacity, its location in the heart of Westminster, not to mention the incredible acoustics in the Great Hall, all pointed to this being the perfect venue for our evening of music and remembrance, 100 Days to Peace.

“The event will feature world-famous composer and conductor, Sir Karl Jenkins, giving his only performance of The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace in England this year. This, coupled with the fact that all proceeds from the event will go to three charities working to support veterans facing mental health challenges, meant that we needed a venue which could not only accommodate a large number of people but was also fitting for an event of this nature.”​Paul Southern, Managing Director of Central Hall Westminster, comments: “We are truly honoured to be hosting this spectacular gala evening that not only marks an important event in our history, but raises funds for ex-service personnel living with a range of issues, including mental health. Over the years we have hosted many high-profile and historically significant events and The Great Hall lends itself to these occasions. Additionally, as a not-for-profit company which exists to pay for the upkeep of our wonderful building and support charities around the world, this remarkable concert reflects our ethos to support others.”

-ENDS-Notes to Editors:

About The Royal Armouries

The Royal Armouries is committed to making a difference to the thousands of ex-service men and women living with anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other combat related mental health conditions. To achieve this, the national museum is working in partnership with Help for Heroes, Combat Stress and Heads Together - The Royal Foundation’s Campaign and Mental Health Initiative.• Royal Armouries has sites in Leeds, HM Tower of London and Fort Nelson in Hampshire.• The Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds houses a major part of the national collection of arms and armour, and displays over 8,500 objects throughout its five themed galleries.• Open all year daily, 10am-5pm. Closed 24-26 December• Website: www.royalarmouries.org

Central Hall Westminster (CHW) is central London’s largest purpose-built conference and events centre, combining historical elegance with cutting-edge technical capabilities. The unique Edwardian landmark building situated adjacent to Westminster Abbey is the home of a culturally diverse Methodist Church and has engaged high profile conferences, special events and local business meetings since 1912.Central Hall Westminster is a not for profit company that exists to enhance its architecturally significant building and to provide money for charitable works all over the world.With a maximum capacity of 2,400, Central Hall Westminster offers 25 event spaces, including:

•The Great Hall – Seats up to 2,000 delegates and features Europe’s largest self-supporting domed ceiling, creating a uniquely intimate atmosphere in the circular shaped, tiered balcony hall with natural daylight.•Library and Lecture Hall – The bright and spacious halls provide flexible space flooded with natural light for up to 1,100 delegates.•Six rooms up to 150 delegates - All rooms offer flexible configurations combined with natural light/ blackout facilities. By using adjacent rooms and spacious foyers, unique event spaces can be created, allowing for breakout sessions, catering and registration.•13 rooms for up to 60 delegates - With beautiful original features, Central Hall Westminster’s smaller rooms provide an elegant setting for meetings from 20 to 60 guests.

The architectural features of the building include the iconic dome, spacious entrance foyers and hallways, marble flooring and a sweeping Grand staircase, the design of which is based on the Paris Opera House.Website: www.c-h-w.comTwitter: @CentralHallFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/centralhallwestminster/

Central Hall Westminster today announces that it will play host to the Charity Film Awards on Friday 11th May.

Celebrating the very best films and videos that have been created for, or on behalf of, registered charities within the UK, the Charity Film Awards winners will be announced at a black-tie gala to be held in the central London venue’s Lecture Hall and Library.

Central Hall Westminster will be sponsoring the event, to be attended by over 250 guests, together with its onsite production partner, White Light.

The Finalists’ films, to be shown on the night, range from informative documentaries featuring Sir David Attenborough (Friends of Richmond Park) to Eddie and Dyls, two young children, raising awareness of developmental language disorders (RADLD).

Paul Southern, Managing Director of Central Hall Westminster, comments: “As a not-for-profit organisation ourselves, we are thrilled to be sponsoring this year’s Charity Film Awards by providing the venue free of charge. These charities deserve to be recognised for their creativity and hard work in raising money for some excellent causes. Charities are close to our hearts here at Central Hall as our own profits go to support others less fortunate than ourselves and to the upkeep of this iconic building.”

James Thurlow, Venue Technical Manager for Central Hall’s production partner, White Light, adds: “We are delighted to be sponsoring this year’s Charity Film Awards, along with supplying the technical solutions for the event. Using Central Hall Westminster’s beautiful spaces, coupled with the very latest lighting, audio and video technology, we are looking forward to creating what will undoubtedly be an unforgettable occasion.”

Out of the hundreds of charities and CICs who entered, the finalists represent 38 organisations of all sizes entered, covering health awareness, medical research, sports, children, environmental issues, animals, education, arts and culture and international NGOs.

In 2018 there will be 10 Charity Film Awards in total for each of the chosen categories as well as one overall winner (a combination of the public votes and judges’ scores across all categories). Additionally, the People’s Choice Award will be the favourite from all of the finalists after 43,000 members of the public voted.

Voting has now reopened online so that members of the public can judge for themselves and cast their own vote for The People’s Choice Award. See www.charityfilmawards.com for further details.

Central Hall Westminster (CHW) is central London’s largest purpose-built conference and events centre, combining historical elegance with cutting-edge technical capabilities. The unique Edwardian landmark building situated adjacent to Westminster Abbey is the home of a culturally diverse Methodist Church and has engaged high profile conferences, special events and local business meetings since 1912.

Central Hall Westminster is a not for profit company that exists to enhance its architecturally significant building and to provide money for charitable works all over the world.

The Great Hall – Seats up to 2,000 delegates and features Europe’s largest self-supporting domed ceiling, creating a uniquely intimate atmosphere in the circular shaped, tiered balcony hall with natural daylight.

Library and Lecture Hall – The bright and spacious halls provide flexible space flooded with natural light for up to 1,100 delegates.

Six rooms up to 150 delegates - All rooms offer flexible configurations combined with natural light/ blackout facilities. By using adjacent rooms and spacious foyers, unique event spaces can be created, allowing for breakout sessions, catering and registration.

13 rooms for up to 60 delegates - With beautiful original features, Central Hall Westminster’s smaller rooms provide an elegant setting for meetings from 20 to 60 guests.

The architectural features of the building include the iconic dome, spacious entrance foyers and hallways, marble flooring and a sweeping Grand staircase, the design of which is based on the Paris Opera House.

The Charity Film Awards will celebrate the very best films and videos that have been created for, or on behalf of, registered charities and CICs within the UK.

Please note that the Awards are entirely free at every stage for participating charities and there is no requirement for any financial investment from charities whatsoever.

As a non-profitable organisation, the awards are organised by event professionals on a volunteer basis and we rely entirely on patrons, donations and sponsorship to run the awards and the ceremony. If you are interested in finding out more about how you support the Charity Film Awards, please contact co-founder Simon Burton on Simon.Burton@exposurecom.com

A new initiative, thought to be unique in the UK, has been launched to give chefs an affordable platform on which to showcase their work.

London Kitchen Social is the brainchild of renowned food and events photographer and digital marketing expert Majella O’Connell who spotted that chefs starting out or wanting to develop their careers often have little time, money or support to help them publicise the fruits of their labour.

The scheme gives new and upcoming chefs, along with other artisans and producers, a chance to have their creations photographed by Majella in a studio kitchen setting for an allotted time. The studio hired includes full cooking facilities and access to props while Majella gives advice on presentation and how to make food photogenic. The end result is a selection of at least 20 head-turning images which can be used on any online platform from social media to websites. She then goes on to showcase the images on her own considerable digital channels to maximise exposure.

Majella comments: “Food photography can be very expensive for chefs and others just starting out in the food industry and yet it is an essential element of career progression to be able to showcase your work. I felt it was time we gave our talented chefs a helping hand.”

“The use of food photography in social media has grown dramatically in recent years and shows no sign of slowing down. Sites like Instagram are where we go for our food inspiration and chefs who want to progress need to be seen here. I created London Kitchen Social to give them the leg up they deserve in the industry with very little outlay,” she adds.

The social element of the scheme allows chefs to meet-up and discuss their work at events planned throughout the year.

One of the first chefs to try out London Kitchen Social scheme was Antony Raffo which resulted in a new role for him as Sous Chef at Auberge du Lac.

“I owe Majella a lot due to the results of our last collaboration together. Her amazing shots of my dishes landed me the job at this award-winning fine dining restaurant,” explains Antony.

Another London Kitchen Social success story is James Peck from Burnt Lemon Catering.“Working with Majella has created countless opportunities I would not otherwise have found. It gave me the chance to have my work exposed to some major players in the industry. London Kitchen Social is such a fantastic and unique idea,” he says.

Following a successful trial event in February, the first official London Kitchen Social photography session is due to be held on 12th April near Caledonian Road and spaces are already filling up.

Majella, who recently photographed a session of the BBC’s Masterchef, The Professionals Pop-up at the Frog E1, plans to increase the number of London Kitchen Social Events according to demand and eventually roll out the initiative to other UK regions.

-Ends-

Notes to Editors:To apply for a slot on London Kitchen Social, contact Majella O’Connell via London Kitchen Social: http://pavlovaandcream.com/london-kitchen-social

About London Kitchen Social

London Kitchen Social exists to provide an affordable platform for new and emerging chefs, as well as other producers and developers in the food industry, to showcase their work through top quality photography.By hiring a studio with full cooking facilities and near to a props store for the day and shooting each client in two-hour time slots, costs are kept to a minimum but the result is a set of at least 20 head-turning images which can be used for career development, promotion and to showcase on social media.

Majella is a London-based food and event photographer who is known in the industry for creating stunning high-quality images. She has been commissioned by a wealth of high profile food and restaurant clients including Tamarind, Mayfair and Ampersand Hotel, Kensington, to name but a few. After travelling the world for 12 years, she developed a passion for photography and went on to take a formal Photography course at a London college, obtaining four distinctions. Majella’s other area of expertise is digital marketing which she utilises for both herself and a number of prestigious clients including a leading London caterer, restaurants and hotels. She is also a freelance photo-journalist specialising in food publications including features on Gelinaz in Austria and the San Sebastian Gastronomika.

Nile Rodgers on the balcony at Central Hall Westminster. Nile and CHIC performed in front of a packed audience at Central Hall Westminster on New Year’s Eve 2017 (photo credit: Jill Furmonvsky) .

A live audience of over 2,000 were joined by millions of TV viewers when Central Hall Westminster provided the backdrop to a televised BBC New Year’s Eve performance by Nile Rodgers & CHIC.

Playing to a packed crowd in the venue’s Great Hall, music legend Nile Rodgers and his world-famous band CHIC created a New Year’s Eve celebration to remember which was broadcast live on BBC One before and after the London fireworks display. Introduced by presenter Roman Kemp, Nile celebrated 40 years in the business with a special performance by CHIC, playing a string of hits including Good Times and Le Freak. The concert, which also included a rendition of Pharrell Williams’ Get Lucky, was described by TV reviewers as ‘sensational’.

This was the fifth year in a row that the BBC selected the central London venue for its annual New Year’s Eve concert which heralds the world-famous fireworks display over the River Thames. Previous performers taking to the stage in the 2,200 capacity Great Hall have included Gary Barlow, Queen + Adam Lambert and Robbie Williams.Paul Southern, Managing Director of Central Hall Westminster, comments: “We were honoured to be part of the BBC New Year’s Eve celebration for the fifth year in a row. There was an incredible atmosphere in the Great Hall and this concert marked the start of another successful year at our venue.”

Nile, who was this year inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame, said “It’s been an incredible 12 months for us in the UK. I thought playing to 200,000 people at Glastonbury could not be beaten but getting to put a cherry on 2017 and kicking off 2018 in London at the historic Central Hall Westminster in front of a BBC television audience of millions has been incredible. I wish you all a happy, healthy and prosperous new year and would like to express my sincere gratitude for all of your love and support!”

-Ends-

Notes to Editors:

About Central Hall Westminster

Central Hall Westminster (CHW) is central London’s largest purpose-built conference and events centre, combining historical elegance with cutting-edge technical capabilities. The unique Edwardian landmark building situated adjacent to Westminster Abbey is the home of a culturally diverse Methodist Church and has engaged high profile conferences, special events and local business meetings since 1912.

The Great Hall – Seats up to 2,000 delegates and features Europe’s largest self-supporting domed ceiling, creating a uniquely intimate atmosphere in the circular shaped, tiered balcony hall with natural daylight.

Library and Lecture Hall – The bright and spacious halls provide flexible space flooded with natural light for up to 1,100 delegates.

Six rooms up to 150 delegates - All rooms offer flexible configurations combined with natural light/ blackout facilities. By using adjacent rooms and spacious foyers, unique event spaces can be created, allowing for breakout sessions, catering and registration.

13 rooms for up to 60 delegates - With beautiful original features, Central Hall Westminster’s smaller rooms provide an elegant setting for meetings from 20 to 60 guests.

The architectural features of the building include the iconic dome, spacious entrance foyers and hallways, marble flooring and a sweeping Grand staircase, the design of which is based on the Paris Opera House.

New Year’s Eve on BBC OneThe firework broadcast and concert was commissioned by Charlotte Moore, BBC Director of Content. Nile Rodgers and CHIC: Good Times parts 1 and 2 were executive produced by Guy Freeman and Cerrie Frost was the series producer. The fireworks were executive produced by Claire Popplewell and produced by Victoria Simpson. The presenter was Roman Kemp.

About NileNile has Produced and or written and recorded a string of hits, including; He’s The Greatest Dancer, We Are Family, Thinking Of You, Lost In Music and Frankie for Sister Sledge; Upside Down and I’m Coming Out for Diana Ross; Let’s Dance, Modern Love, and China Girl for David Bowie; Like A Virgin and Material Girl for Madonna, Notorious for Duran Duran, plus Get Lucky and Lose Yourself To Dance for Daft Punk et al amongst many others.

Nile has had an amazing 2017 so far, which will culminate in the New Year’s Eve event on BBC One. Within the last 12 months, Nile has received British GQ’s Man Of The Year "Icon" Award, has been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame, played Glastonbury to 200,000 people in front of Ed Sheeran. Earlier in the year BBC Four screened a 3-part documentary entitled Nile Rodgers "How To Make It In The Music Business.”

About BBC StudiosBBC Studios is the BBC’s main TV production arm, producing bold, British, creative content across a range of genres and specialisms. From Planet Earth II, Strictly Come Dancing, The Proms and Doctor Who, to One Love Manchester, Good Omens, W1A, Horizon and Murdered by My Father, its programmes are renowned for their quality and loved by audiences in the UK and around the world. With bases all over the country, BBC Studios reflects and represents diverse voices and creative talent from across the UK. BBC Studios launched as a commercial business in April 2017, able to make programmes for other broadcasters as well as the BBC, supporting the BBC’s public service mission and generating financial returns for licence fee payer.

Somerset House announces the appointment of two new members of staff to its Corporate Events Team.Amy Bowden joins the eight-strong team at Somerset House as Business Development Manager following the promotion of Kara Clark and Stephanie Bevan-Moss to Co-Heads of Corporate Events, while Jenny Freestone takes maternity leave.Amy joins Somerset House from the Royal Horticultural Halls, where she worked as Senior Sales Executive. Previously, she was Event Manager at ExCeL London Hospitality (part of Compass Group UK & Ireland).In her new role, Amy’s objectives are to raise awareness of venue hire opportunities at Somerset House, focusing on corporate clients. As well as working with local businesses, Amy plans to utilise her knowledge of London Fashion Week clients to generate new leads for Women and Men’s Fashion Week. She will also be looking at tactical marketing strategies through promotion of the venue’s newly released Day Delegate Rate packages.Amy comments: “I am extremely excited to join the existing accomplished and creative Corporate Events Team at this iconic central London venue. The diversity of clients who have held events with us are exceptional, and I cannot wait to expand on this.”Another new member of the team is Rebecca Moore, who takes on the role of Event Planner. Rebecca previously worked for two years as Events and Facilities Coordinator at Asia House, where she was responsible for running a diverse range of events.Kara Clark, Co-Head of Corporate Events, comments: “We are delighted to welcome Amy and Rebecca to our creative and dynamic Events team at Somerset House. We know they will contribute to the phenomenal success we have been enjoying over the last year, and are looking forward to seeing the valuable new initiatives they plan to bring to their roles.”

-Ends-

Notes to Editors:

About Somerset House

Somerset House is an iconic neo-classical 18th century building situated on the north bank of the River Thames, which has become a leading centre for contemporary culture in London. Somerset House also offers a wide variety of venue spaces and services, accommodating any event from press days to product launches, receptions and dinners, to presentations and conferences. Corporate and private events can also be connected with Somerset House’s diverse cultural programme, through private tours and viewings. Somerset House is run as a charity by the Somerset House Trust and events held at the venue directly contribute to its cultural programme and commitment to a new generation of artists based in Somerset House Studios, as well as its education and outreach work. The grandeur and heritage of Somerset House’s range of buildings and event spaces, coupled with the expertise of the Corporate Events team, offer an unrivalled location for an unforgettable event.

Portico Rooms – Somerset House’s most popular private hire venue offers balcony views over both The Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court and the River Thames. With a capacity for 200 standing, 80 people for a seated lunch and dinner and 100 people for theatre-style seating, Portico Rooms provide a flexible yet grand space for all kinds of events from press days and receptions to dinners and wine tastings.

Navy Board Rooms – These four inter-connected rooms were originally home to the Navy Board, overseeing British naval affairs at the start of the Empire. The layout offers great flexibility - from one specific room to the use of all four spaces for a range of purposes with capacity for 100 standing, 50 people for seated lunch and dinner and 32 for cabaret-style seating.

West Wing ­­ – Entered via the striking grandeur of the Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court, guests experience a feeling of calm and space as they enter the West Wing Galleries. With 15 newly renovated rooms, this expansive area boasts light wooden flooring, sweeping high ceilings and plenty of natural light. The understated elegance of the West Wing Galleries has something to suit all tastes, with the blank canvas galleries providing a fantastic backdrop for showcases, press days, product launches and experiential events.

Outdoor Spaces

River Terrace – The River Terrace location offers glorious views of the South Bank across the River Thames, offering a spectacular setting for al fresco events from summer parties to outdoor receptions. The space holds a capacity of 500 standing. Included in the hire is Seamen’s Hall, a wet weather option with a capacity of up to 200.

The Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court – The Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court is situated around Somerset House’s elegant fountains and is surrounded on all sides by glorious 18th century buildings. This space is home to some of the best-loved events such as Film4 Summer Screen, Summer Series and Skate, the winter ice rink. This exclusive outdoor space with a capacity of 1500 is available for bespoke evening events on a limited number of specific dates throughout the year.

Lightwells and Deadhouse – The Lightwells and Deadhouse are a favourite for film location managers for film and television and have frequently been used as a backdrop for film and TV including Downton Abbey and Sherlock Holmes. This unique subterranean space, full of atmosphere and charm, is the ideal location for out-of-the-ordinary events. The unique space is available for receptions, press days and launches and capacity varies for each event.

Somerset House also houses one of the largest communities of creative organisations in London including The Courtauld Gallery and Institute of Art, King’s College London Cultural Institute and over 100 other creative businesses. In October 2016, Somerset House launched Somerset House Studios, a new experimental workspace connecting artists, makers and thinkers with audiences. The Studios provide a platform for new creative projects and collaboration, promoting work that pushes bold ideas, engages with urgent issues and pioneers new technologies. Somerset House is one of the top ten leading visitor attractions in the UK and currently attracts approximately 3.4 million visitors every year.

Music legend Nile Rodgers and his world-famous band CHIC will be taking to the stage at Central Hall Westminster this New Year’s Eve.

The event, to be broadcast live to millions on BBC One, will mark the fifth year running that the BBC has chosen the iconic central London venue for their New Year’s Eve broadcast. Previous performances to welcome the start of a new year have included Robbie Williams, Bryan Adams, Queen + Adam Lambert and Gary Barlow.

Tickets to the special live music concert held before and after the world-renowned fireworks display on the River Thames, are due to be released soon and are expected to sell out in minutes.

Multiple Grammy-winning composer, producer, arranger, and guitarist Nile Rodgers is responsible for a string of worldwide hits including Let’s Dance by David Bowie, Diana Ross’ I’m Coming Out and Sister Sledge’s classic hit We Are Family. All of this, coupled with Rodgers’ collaboration with Daft Punk and Pharrell Williams on 2013’s worldwide hit single Get Lucky, makes him undoubtedly one of the most influential musicians of his generation.

Nile Rodgers & CHIC are one of the most prominent and enduring bands on the scene today. The group's pared down funk and dance vibes have proven to be some of the most distinctive and emblematic music of our time with #1 hits including Le Freak, Good Times as well as Everybody Dance and Dance, Dance, Dance.

Paul Southern, Managing Director of Central Hall Westminster, comments: “We are absolutely thrilled to be part of the BBC New Year’s Eve celebration for the fifth year in a row. Our magnificent Great Hall, which seats over 2,000, will provide a fitting backdrop for the live performance to be broadcast. We have hosted numerous high profile performances at our venue over the past year, confirming Central Hall’s position as the leading concert venue for central London.”

Nile, who was this year inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame, said: “It’s been an incredible year for CHIC in the UK, from playing to 200,000 plus people at Glastonbury to our recent sold out arena shows in London and Liverpool. This is a great way to end our 40th year in a spectacular fashion and kick off a new year that will start with the release of the first new CHIC music in years and the new album. Good Times are coming in 2018!”

Guy Freeman, Editor Special Events for the BBC, said: “I am over the moon that Nile & CHIC will be heading up our New Year’s Eve celebrations at Central Hall Westminster. With a host of timeless disco party classics on their setlist, I am sure that living rooms up and down the land will be boogieing along until the wee small hours!”

Of course, the live music is just part of the party as a festival of fireworks fills the night sky over the River Thames in London as Big Ben strikes midnight.

London’s famous firework display will be choreographed to fit a specially edited medley of music. The celebrations along the Thames will end with a traditional rendition of Auld Lang Syne, before the action switches back inside as Nile and CHIC continue the party at Central Hall with a raft of hits including Good Times, Le Freak and Everybody Dance.​A Limited number of tickets will be available via the Central Hall Westminster website: https://www.c-h-w.com/news/386/58/New-Year-s-Eve-Concert-Nile-Rodgers-CHIC-Good-Times-2017-2018/ or bbc.co.uk/newyearseve.

Central Hall Westminster (CHW) is central London’s largest purpose-built conference and events centre, combining historical elegance with cutting-edge technical capabilities. The unique Edwardian landmark building situated adjacent to Westminster Abbey is the home of a culturally diverse Methodist Church and has engaged high profile conferences, special events and local business meetings since 1912.

The Great Hall – Seats up to 2,000 delegates and features Europe’s largest self-supporting domed ceiling, creating a uniquely intimate atmosphere in the circular shaped, tiered balcony hall with natural daylight.

Library and Lecture Hall – The bright and spacious halls provide flexible space flooded with natural light for up to 1,100 delegates.

Six rooms up to 150 delegates - All rooms offer flexible configurations combined with natural light/ blackout facilities. By using adjacent rooms and spacious foyers, unique event spaces can be created, allowing for breakout sessions, catering and registration.

13 rooms for up to 60 delegates - With beautiful original features, Central Hall Westminster’s smaller rooms provide an elegant setting for meetings from 20 to 60 guests.

The architectural features of the building include the iconic dome, spacious entrance foyers and hallways, marble flooring and a sweeping Grand staircase, the design of which is based on the Paris Opera House.

New Year’s Eve on BBC OneThe firework broadcast and concert was commissioned by Charlotte Moore, Director of Content, it will be executive produced by Guy Freeman and Cerrie Frost will be series producer. The fireworks will be executive produced by Claire Popplewell for BBC Events and produced by Victoria Simpson. The presenter will be announced in due course.About NileNile has Produced and or written and recorded a string of hits, including; He’s The Greatest Dancer, We Are Family, Thinking Of You, Lost In Music and Frankie for Sister Sledge; Upside Down and I’m Coming Out for Diana Ross; Let’s Dance, Modern Love, and China Girl for David Bowie; Like A Virgin and Material Girl for Madonna, Notorious for Duran Duran, plus Get Lucky and Lose Yourself To Dance for Daft Punk et al amongst many others.

Nile has had an amazing 2017 so far, which will culminate in the New Year’s Eve event on BBC One. Within the last 12 months, Nile has received British GQ’s Man Of The Year "Icon" Award, has been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame, played Glastonbury to 200,000 people in front of Ed Sheeran. Earlier in the year BBC Four screened a 3-part documentary entitled Nile Rodgers "How To Make It In The Music Business.”About BBC StudiosBBC Studios is the BBC’s main TV production arm, producing bold, British, creative content across a range of genres and specialisms. From Planet Earth II, Strictly Come Dancing, The Proms and Doctor Who, to One Love Manchester, Good Omens, W1A, Horizon and Murdered by My Father, its programmes are renowned for their quality and loved by audiences in the UK and around the world. With bases all over the country, BBC Studios reflects and represents diverse voices and creative talent from across the UK. BBC Studios launched as a commercial business in April 2017, able to make programmes for other broadcasters as well as the BBC, supporting the BBC’s public service mission and generating financial returns for licence fee payer.